England have announced the playing XI for the fifth and final Ashes Test roping in Sam Curran to replace Craig Overton while recalling Chris Woakes in place of Jason Roy.

Key Highlights

England have named their playing XI for the 5th Ashes Test which starts on Thursday

England have dropped Jason Roy and Craig Overton from the playing XI for the 5th Test

Chris Woakes has been roped back in by England as they look to draw Ashes 2019 level 2-2

England have made a couple of changes in their playing XI following their 185-run drubbing in the 4th Ashes Test at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester on Sunday. The hosts have dropped batsman Jason Roy and all-rounder Craig Overton from their playing XI for the final fifth Test at the Oval in London starting from Thursday. England have roped in all-rounder Sam Curran to replace Overton while Chris Woakes has been recalled.

Woakes was dropped from the playing XI for Overton in the 4th Test which came as a surprise for many as the all-rounder was performing well with the ball. However, the move to include Overton didn't work out wonders for the hosts, who were thoroughly outplayed by Australia in the 4th Test in Manchester with Steve Smith once again standing tall with the bat.

Smith was the difference between the two sides as he slammed a double century (211) in the first innings and followed it up with a quick 92-ball 82 in the second innings to inspire Australia to a dominant win. While the English bowlers had no answers to Smith's brilliance, the batsmen too failed to turn up as the Aussie bowlers ran the show.

Having already retained the Ashes, Australia will be looking to continue their winning run as England face an uphill task to stop their momentum and level the series 2-2 which currently stands in Australia's favour at 2-1. Roy has been dropped after his continuous struggles in the series which gives England extra edge in their all-round department which now features both Woakes and Curran along with Stokes.

However, England have confirmed that Stokes, who has enjoyed a stellar series with the bat, will be playing in the 5th Test as a specialist batsman.

Ben Stokes to play as a specialist batsman:

Stokes is all set to be played as a specialist batsman due to a shoulder injury as England don't want to put an extra burden on their premier all-rounder, who has scored 354 runs and taken eight wickets in the five-match series so far. The all-rounder played a heroic knock in the third Test where he scored an unbeaten 135 to get England over the line pulling off a miraculous chase as the hosts won by 1 wicket after a thrilling finish to the game.

Ashes 2019: Jason Roy, Craig Overton dropped as England announce playing XI for 5th TestDescription:England have announced the playing XI for the fifth and final Ashes Test roping in Sam Curran to replace Craig Overton while recalling Chris Woakes in place of Jason Roy.Times Now Digital